Hard Drive Failure, Monitors going to Sleep, Cant load Windows

Question

Good Morning All,

I was sent here by a wonderful friend that has been trying to help me out on this.

I have a Dell Studio XPS 8100 Desk Top with Dual Monitors

The problem initially started with a Hard Drive Failure warning message. I pulled and replaced the Hard drive (Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB, 7200rpm, 64 with 2 Barracudas 2 TB same specs-1 for OS and one for Studio recording Projects). The system does see them and when windows made it up at one point I was able to go in and put folders and files onto the drive I use for extra storage and actually use them.

Here is where I run into problems-I can boot the system up from the DVD drive trying to load the disc I made when I first recieved the computer 2 years ago but the monitor will go to sleep on me. This tends to happen at different points in trying to load the OS software..

I have also tried using F8 at boot up Safe mode with Network enabled.

Sometimes it will make it into Windows but most of the time it will go to sleep somewhere in the process.

When windows did make it up a few times,I ran some of the Diagnostic tests off the Dell Site, Video ran through a bunch of stuff and a test screen with spaceships flying around. That test did good when running but as soon as it finished I completely lost 1 of the monitors.

I ran the Dell Diagnostics and it wanted to update the Intel Chip (I think) and the ATI 5700. I let it do that and it made it things worse.All the checks (except for the 2d/3d video) PASSED-The Memory, Hard Disks, etc...

When it is in the Boot up process BOTH monitors look great as things look/appear normal upto "loading files, the Blue screen with the twig and the bird"

Ive tried an ISO DVD of Windows with SP1 to see if that would make any difference-No Luck, still goes to sleep on me

So now Im back to square one

Not sure if this is a bad motherboard, processor, software, ???

I AM NOT a computer techie and have tried to fumble my way through this LOL.

Any help and steps on "how to" would be greatly appreciated

Thanks,

Mike

Tesla1856 · Accepted Answer

I think you are misunderstanding me. When you speak of things like ...

The monitor went to sleep somewhere in the process (Imagine that LOL) ... and it is sitting there doing what ever with the monitor asleep.

Prior to this with all the trying was to just kill the power conditioner I have it plugged into and boot up which would take me directly to that point. We know just killing the power is a BAD thing but what else can ya do?

... and it did find some issues with Video but took care of them.

... letting it run last nights recovery, I did have to kill the power,

This all points to a hardware problem. This is what you might need the qualified tech for (not the software problems). You can't simply ignore the hardware problems and treat them as a minor inconvenience.

1. Get machine hardware working 100% in Dell Diags (PSA/ePSA) or similar ... outside of Windows.

2. Clean install Windows from original disc (clean install is not Recovery)

3. Load latest drivers. Put your 5-10 driver files on a flash drive for easy access.
4. Install Windows Updates

5. Install basic apps (like Microsoft Security Essentials).

If you see Errors during ANY of the above ... stop there, repair machine, and start over at step one. You should be able to go from Step 1-5 with no weird problems or errors ... only then will there be a good chance machine is working properly.

If the motherboard is acting weird, a BIOS reset and options reset might salvage it (as suggested in previous post). Now is the time to resolve these strange problems ... not after the machine is put back into service.

Clean installing Windows is fairly taxing on hardware and a good way to reveal problems in system hardware. Don't be afraid to install Windows several times if required. You can't truly "clean install" from a Recovery Partition or Recovery Discs (created from a OEM Recovery Partition). They might not have been written properly or might have been designed improperly.

The software problems are happening because of the hardware problems or possibly because you are not following the clean install procedures correctly. Somehow, the proper core Windows files are not getting written to the HDD properly in the first place. Discussion of fixing these strange software problems is irrelevant because they should not be happening in the first place (especially not on a newly clean installed system).

fireberd · Accepted Answer

I have to agree 100% with Tesla on the potential hardware problem.

Also, one note on Java. Unless you have some specific application that needs Java, do not install it. There have been security alerts to uninstall Java, which I have done and do not have any issues accessing any sites.

I have also given you the info on a clean install, inclujding downloading a Win 7 iso, on the Sonar forum.

Jack

Tesla1856 · Accepted Answer

I went into BIOS trying to find the power options to keep the monitor from going to sleep. After getting into BIOS as I was searching for what needed to be changed to keep monitor ON, it went to sleep on me. Ive had the computer up and running all day yesterday and this morning in WINDOWS without any problems as far as the monitor going to sleep.

Can you give me direction on what to go to direclty in BIOS and the setting that I need to set to/change to try and keep the monitor up and running at all times?

Loading the BIOS defaults should set it correctly. The options would talk about Power Management or S3-S5 Sleep modes. I doubt there is anything specifically about the monitor in there ... I really think that problem is something with the hardware.

speedstep · Answer

Buy a copy of Linux Pro Magazine and Get a Copy Of UBUNTU 12.04 or Puppy Linux 5.4

Boot from that DVD with Hard Drives Disconnected and not installed in CMOS.

Any of these can be "burned" to a CD or DVD or to USB Flash with the Windows utility from PENDRIVELINUX.

Universal USB Installer – Easy as 1 2 3 | USB Pen Drive Linux

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/downloads/Universal-USB-Installer/Universal-USB-Installer-1.9.1.9.exe

• 2012-12-04: Distribution Release: Puppy Linux 5.4 "Slacko"
• 2012-10-23: Distribution Release: Puppy Linux 5.4 "Precise"

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download

None of the Live Linux distro's need ANY hard drives to run and work.

They boot and run in Ramdisk.

Seagate DESKTOP 3.5 inch Drives are Very Very Very Very Very bad now.

Click Click Click Data Gone DEAD.

They claim a firmware fix solved this.

Thats a Lie.

Try buying a Western Digital Caviar Blue.

http://forums.seagate.com/t5/ATA-and-Serial-ATA-drives/Newer-firmware-does-not-show-up-when-running-the-quot-serial/m-p/51210/highlight/false#M19505

speedstep · Answer

Making a bootable Ubuntu 12.04 usb flash drive or DVD media isn't going to cost a lot.

I have nothing whatsoever good to say about seagate Drives.

The UBUNTU test costs essentially nothing. It does however verify the memory and hardware and does not require a boot hard drive.

You can disconnect them and turn them to OFF in CMOS and Boot UBUNTU 12.04 DVD or USB flash drive.

You F12 boot to flash drive.

The reason for suggesting this is because the DVD drive or media may not be reading or have many errors

and therefore Could not load file or assembly (Media READ Error)

is this a REAL Media or is it a DVDR Burned media?

Microsoft ALSO has a DVD tool for making bootable WIN7 or WIN8 usb flash drive media.

Digi2ns · Answer

It would appear that googling that last message that there is something with the ATI 5700. With that I have tried using the DVI connection off of the MOBO as well but still ran into the same problems.

I wonder if I pull the ATI5700 and try plugging into the MOBO again if that would get some different/better results?

Digi2ns · Answer

Thanks for the reply Speed,

So even with it doing this Monitor Sleep thing when booting from a DVD could be connected to the hard drives?

Id hate to go spend more $ after just spending $400 on 3 hard drives-Know what I mean?. Im kind of gun shy now on buying anything else for this desk top only being 2 years old and now down.

After letting it sit last night in sleep mode, I rebooted in safe mode and it came up to the desk top running but then this new error displayed. I caught quite a bit of it but it went to sleep before I could get it all wrote down.

It was "Could not load file or assembly 'MOM.Implementation Version=2.0.3548.36986,ciulture=neutral..." I lost it after neutral.

The new Hard Drives sounded good, are quiet and like I state above ran good for a bit when windows did make it up without the monitors going to sleep on me.

As far as CMOS setting and running from a flash drive, that is above my ability at this point, lack of knowledge on that type of work

fireberd · Answer

Removing the ATI 5700 is worth a try, at this point with everything else that has been attempted.

Digi2ns · Answer

Good afternoon Fire,

Hey, I got it into Safe Mode, ran the bootrec fixes on the MBR-All went well and was successful

From there I inserted the two DVDs for recovery (with the monitors asleep). It seemed like it did properly as far as ejecting the dvds after completion.

I then brought it up in safe mode again and let it switch over to normal operation for setup-All appeared to go correct as far as setting names, times, networking, etc...

It rebooted and I started trying to add McAfee 2012, so I could do the Windows updates and get SP1 loaded, etc...

I selected to check for Windows updates and got an error that it couldnt check for updates cause services were not running.

McAfee appeared to install correctly but once it was done downloading, it wasnt there. Then gave me a fault I needed Java Script installed to install McAfee.

I went to Java and downloaded the recommended version 7 for 64bit systems and Verified install, Reinstalled McAffee and same fault popped up. I rebooted and am letting it set to see if it has anything else that comes up and wants to be installed.

As far as the monitors sleeping, I believe it was a problem with CCC software for the video, but doesnt explain why it occured with the MOBO DVI connection as well. Maybe it is set to run off the same driver/software

So I think with the DVD Recovery, it might have fixed what the Dell Diagnostics messed up on the ATI5700 Driver but now Ive got to get it to where I can install software and updates without these faults. Maybe its just a certain way to load up new systems after restoring that I dont know.

Tesla1856 · Answer

The best way it to make the machine as basic as possible and see if that existing hardware can work. Don't move forward until the base works. Add hardware back one piece at a time (testing whole machine each time). Only one monitor on video port 1. Hard-drives can be removed by using flash drive or Live-CD (Linux).

Since problem points to video card, yes ... I would remove it and try the on-board. But it could still be the motherboard, power-supply, or something still left in the machine.

http://www.fonerbooks.com/pcrepair.htm

Computer starts up fine sometimes, but sometimes not (my doc I wrote a while back, focusing on PowerSupplies)
---------------------------------------------------
- Maybe it won't start at all or stops before complete BIOS posting
This list is about core hardware & power problems.
- "Windows won't start" is not covered here. You must be booting to a bootable environment.

If you changed something, but it back the way it was.
- Must verify motherboard, PS and machine still works.
Remove anything non-essential (USB, extra cards & drives, etc.)
- Maybe even install a lower-power but known-good video card.
Remove and re-attach all connectors, DIMMs, etc.
No CPU, MB, or GPU OverClocks should be activated. All stock speeds.
Be sure entire cooling system is working.
Check Power switch with Ohm-Meter or install temporary one.
Verify Power Supply wattage (large sticker).
If Power Supply has "Test Button" on back, make sure it tests good every time (like 10 in a row)
Test Power Supply with $25 digital Power Supply Tester
- Voltages and also "P.G." value between 100ms and 800ms
Try another known-good Power Supply (of equal or larger amperage)
Use good UPS (like APC), but also try directly into wall (at least once).
- Better to use UPS ... just make sure you are not having a "lack of pure sine-wave" problem

If not using a good UPS that stabilizes & monitors AC-power and quality, you should:
- Be sure wall AC Power is good and proper (by testing it).
- Be sure other high-amp machines (other desktops, TVs, AVRs, etc) work on this "leg" of the AC power
- Test machine on the other "120v leg" or another building.

Tesla1856 · Answer

What exact version of Windows is this? Did you clean install to a known good HDD? If so, what disc did you use? You don't need McAfee. Use Windows Security Essentials.

Digi2ns · Answer

Thanks for the reply Tesla

Yes I have it down to the basic system while trying to get it back inline.

Just the OS Hard Drive plugged in,

Monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Not sure if you caught my last post about the video and getting it straightened out as far as NOT falling asleep.

I do have Windows up and running, am able to reboot normally without any probs. Now it looks like some services are missing or disabled. As I try to run Windows Update, it wont let me because Service is not running. Msconfig shows everything OK and the windows diagnostic reports a missing "something" for that process.

I cant get McAfee to load from factory disc either, reports it needs JavaScript to run. JAVA is loaded and I updated it from the JAVA site-still does the same thing after retrying. Just various things like that. Explorer works good and Im able to get online. I did try to install the update program from microsoft but it gave me problem of being logged on as Admin. I am logged on as Admin and me as Admin is the only account on it. I think all these probs come back to the windows install being screwy or ??? There were find and fix probs for these as they appeared but they were unsuccessful even though they found and fixed or adjusted settings.

I dont have anything special outside of the way the computer came from the factory done to it other than having to had to replace the Hard drive because of its failure. I added the extra Hard Drive for Storage of projects and Computer Backups so if the OS HD crapped out again, all my work would be somewhat safe on different drives.

I dont use this computer for anything other than recording live music, so if I can get it back to a reliable state as far as booting and running Sonar with a good Recovery Setup, Id be TICKLED PINK LOL

Your suggestions with power supplies did hit me though. As far as power goes, it is on a dedicated circuit in my studio with all new wires, meter box, breaker box, etc... all the way to the Pole on the street. Everything else outside of that in the house has no probs as far as power is concerned.

Ill keep this posting updated as I go trying what is suggested.

I really appreciate the help ;)

Tesla1856 · Answer

Your suggestions with power supplies did hit me though. As far as power goes, it is on a dedicated circuit in my studio with all new wires, meter box, breaker box, etc... all the way to the Pole on the street. Everything else outside of that in the house has no probs as far as power is concerned.

Interesting that was just done (and now the problems). Hopefully machine was unplugged during all that.

At the very least, I would check voltage with a voltmeter and check polarity with a device like this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012DHVQ0/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?

But to really protect your investment (long range) to need something like this. It will also check the above (constantly ... and lots more protection for your machine). If there are any power problems in your neighborhood, they are going to travel right down that new line, directly into your machine. This is your best protection to stop it and they even have a guarantee.

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/354300/APC-Back-UPS-Pro-1000-Battery/

Get one large enough for all your expensive recording equipment (or buy 2). It should also help with "ground loop" problems ... if you are still working with analog audio/video.

Digi2ns · Answer

Yeh all wiring was done before equipment was installed in the area. I built it specifically with the recording and the electronics in mind. I know installs were good, meter base and wiring to poles were contracted out and breaker box and the house was done by myself (Retired HAVC, plumbing and electrician)

However I dont have and do need a good UPS-I know Im a dummy for not having it already LOL

Im running Window 7 Home Premium 64 bit

As far as the HDD, it is fresh out of the box and set up with included software (Seagate Barracuda 2 tb, 7200rpm, 64)

As for the discs I used the DVDs I burnt when computer was first purchased from BestBuy

Windows Security Essentials-Ill give that a shot if its part of my normal DVDs I installed and its in there.

Tesla1856 · Answer

Seagate DESKTOP 3.5 inch Drives are Very Very Very Very Very bad now.

Click Click Click Data Gone DEAD.

They claim a firmware fix solved this.

Thats a Lie.

Try buying a Western Digital Caviar Blue.

About how I feel about Western Digital drives. Used to love them before the recent failures (especially with new drives ... DOA or lasting a week or so). Still have a bunch of older WD installed though ... I like Black 7200's (most Blacks have dual-core controllers). They have a new Red series that looks nice also.

I'm doing this now to avoid problems:

1. Buy only drives in retail packaging (some non-retail or OEM bare drive packaging is really bad and I'm sure it's damaging drives).
2. Buy local if possible (no UPS destruction trip).
3. Buy 2tb drives (or smaller) if possible (less platters).
4. Avoid old implementations of Advanced Format tech. All manufacturers seemed to have growing pains with this tech.

Recently got a couple of new 2tb Seagate Barracuda Greens (for Storage) ... working really nice, cool temp, and cheap too (finally again ... after the shortage).
ST2000DL003-9VT166 Adv.Format, Green 5900rpm, 64mb, 6Gps, 4ms, 5yrs. warranty

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Hard Drive Failure, Monitors going to Sleep, Cant load Windows

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